Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Combining tender marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, and a zesty street corn salad, it’s perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp for marinating + 2 Tbsp for cooking)
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups cooked corn
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 small jalapeno, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 lime, zest & juice of
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1-3 Tbsp water (as needed to thin dressing)
• 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
• Diced avocado (for topping)
• Cherry tomatoes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken into cubes. Toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1½ tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Let marinate at least 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool for 5–10 minutes, then stir in ½ cup chopped cilantro, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Elote dressing by mixing Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, lime zest and juice from 1 lime, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1–3 Tbsp water to reach desired consistency.
4. Step 4: For the street corn salad, chop jalapeno (remove seeds and pulp for less heat), red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Combine these with cooked corn and cotija cheese in a large bowl. Add half the Elote dressing and mix well.
5. Step 5: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until chicken reaches 165℉ (75°C) internally.
6. Step 6: Assemble bowls with a base of romaine or mixed greens (optional), topped with cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken, and street corn salad. Drizzle with remaining Elote dressing, add a squeeze of lime, and garnish with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes.
7. Step 7: For meal prep, the street corn salad and dressing can be made ahead to save time on busy days.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity to control the heat level.
• Swap cotija cheese with feta if cotija is unavailable.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit or replace cotija cheese.
• Cook corn on the grill to add a smoky flavor to the salad.

Storage

Store the chicken, rice, and street corn salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine and reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stove before serving. Keep the Elote dressing chilled and add fresh toppings like avocado just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works well and saves time. Just thaw and drain it before using in the street corn salad.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is ideal to enhance flavor, but you can marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more tenderness.

Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 144 reviews

This Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl combines succulent marinated chicken with vibrant street corn salad and fragrant cilantro lime rice. The dish is topped with a creamy Elote dressing and fresh veggies for a zesty, nourishing, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Street Corn Salad

• 3 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, preferably fresh from cob)
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 small jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

Elote Dressing

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1–3 Tbsp water (to thin as needed)

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Additional Bowl Toppings (Optional)

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Diced avocado
• Cherry tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Make the cilantro lime rice: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool for 5-10 minutes to prevent wilting. Then, fluff the rice and stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Elote dressing: While the rice cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of water if needed to thin the dressing to a creamy, drizzleable consistency.
4. Make the street corn salad: If using fresh ears of corn, cook them by boiling, grilling, or roasting until tender and then cut kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the cooked corn kernels, chopped red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add half of the prepared Elote dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
5. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out evenly. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through with a nice sear.
6. Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, optionally add a base of romaine lettuce or mixed greens. Add a scoop of cilantro lime rice, then top with cooked chicken and a generous portion of the street corn salad. Drizzle with remaining Elote dressing, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and garnish with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes if desired.
7. Meal prep tip: The street corn salad and Elote dressing can be made in advance and stored separately to streamline assembly for quick meals throughout the week.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes boosts flavor and keeps it tender.
• Use fresh corn when possible for best texture and sweetness, but frozen can be a convenient alternative.
• The Elote dressing can be adjusted in thickness by adding water until it suits your preference.
• Serve with optional fresh toppings like avocado and cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
• This bowl is well balanced—feel free to scale ingredients according to serving needs.

Keywords: street corn chicken bowl, healthy chicken rice bowl, elote dressing, cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn salad, easy healthy meals